Public Policy Forum Research

Sound economic development policy is critical to creating jobs, stabilizing local government budgets, and enhancing the region’s quality of life. The Public Policy Forum conducts a variety of research that is designed to inform government and community leaders about the impacts of local economic development policies and practices, as well as best practices nationally. We will continue our in-depth analysis of issues releated to workforce development, transportation, housing, land use, local government economic development policy, tax increment financing, income migration, and related issues.

Search Publications

Publications

In July 2012, the Public Policy Forum released a report examining the state and federal funding sources that support workforce development programs in Wisconsin, as well as key trends impacting the state’s strategic approach to workforce development...

Wisconsin’s workforce development system is comprised of a broad range of employment and training services, from job search and placement assistance to vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities. The resource map and analysis in...

In a 2006 analysis of City of Milwaukee economic development efforts, the Public Policy Forum lamented the absence of a comprehensive economic plan, suggesting such a plan was needed to mobilize the city’s business, community, and public sector...

For more than four decades, America’s economists, management consultants, investors, and futurists have discussed the need to transition from a manufacturing economy, based on skills, to a “knowledge economy,” based on ideas and innovation. One...

The Main Street Milwaukee (MSM) Program is a highly touted economic development program designed to promote economic growth and revitalization in selected city neighborhoods. Milwaukee’s Main Street program is a partnership between the City of...

Metro Milwaukee’s drivers and bus riders give the region average grades when it comes to transportation infrastructure. The condition of the region’s freeways gets the highest grade, a C+, while local streets and roads garner a C-. The findings come...